Filter element with support core and methods

ABSTRACT

A filter arrangement includes first and second media packs with a support core in between. The support core includes a first ring at one end and, optionally, second ring at an opposite end. In some arrangements, at least a first member and second member extend from the first ring while being engagement-free to each other. In some arrangements, no more than a first member extends from the first ring, while being engagement-free relative to itself.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/007,193, filed Jun. 3, 2014, which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates to filter arrangements. In particular, thisapplication relates to filters for liquids in industrial processes andmethods of operation.

BACKGROUND

Filters are provided for the filtration of liquids in various industrialprocesses. In typical use, the filters are sterilized by the use ofsuperheated steam pumped backward through the normal flow direction ofthe filter cartridge. Many typical prior art filters for industrialprocesses have filter components that are made from non-metallicmaterial, such as polypropylene. When the superheated steam hits thepolypropylene part of the filter, it can collapse because of the yieldpoint of polypropylene.

Improvements in the prior art are desirable.

SUMMARY

A filter arrangement is provided comprising: a first tubular media packdefining a first interior volume; the first tubular media pack havingopposite first and second ends; a second tubular media pack operablypositioned in the first interior volume; the second tubular media packhaving a second interior volume; a support core operably positioned inthe first interior volume in touching engagement with and between thefirst tubular media pack and second tubular media pack; the support coreincluding, at least a first ring; at least a first member and a secondmember extending from the first ring; the first member being at anon-orthogonal angle relative to the first ring; the second member beingat a non-orthogonal angle relative to the first ring; and the firstmember and second member being engagement-free to each other along anextension adjacent to a complete length of the second tubular mediapack.

A filter arrangement is provided comprising: a first tubular media packdefining a first interior volume; the first tubular media pack havingopposite first and second ends; a second tubular media pack operablypositioned in the first interior volume; the second tubular media packhaving a second interior volume; a support core operably positioned inthe first interior volume in touching engagement with and between thefirst tubular media pack and second tubular media pack; the support coreincluding, at least a first ring; at least a first member and a secondmember extending from the first ring; the first member being at anon-orthogonal angle relative to the first ring; the second member beingat a non-orthogonal angle relative to the first ring; and the firstmember and second member being engagement-free to each other along anextension of at least 75% of a complete length of the first tubularmedia pack.

A filter arrangement is provided comprising: a first tubular media packdefining a first interior volume; the first tubular media pack havingopposite first and second ends; a second tubular media pack operablypositioned in the first interior volume; the second tubular media packhaving a second interior volume; a support core operably positioned inthe first interior volume in touching engagement with and between thefirst tubular media pack and second tubular media pack; the support coreincluding, at least a first ring; at least a first member and a secondmember extending from the first ring; the first member being at anon-orthogonal angle relative to the first ring; the second member beingat a non-orthogonal angle relative to the first ring; and the firstmember and second member being engagement-free to each other along anextension of at least 8 inches from the second end of the first tubularmedia pack.

A filter arrangement is provided comprising: a first tubular media packdefining a first interior volume; the first tubular media pack havingopposite first and second ends; a second tubular media pack operablypositioned in the first interior volume; the second tubular media packhaving a second interior volume; a support core operably positioned inthe first interior volume in touching engagement with and between thefirst tubular media pack and second tubular media pack; the support coreincluding, at least a first ring; at least a first member and a secondmember extending from the first ring; a first plurality of barsextending from the first member at a non-zero angle thereto; a secondplurality of bars extending from the second member at a non-zero anglethereto; and the first member and second member being engagement-free toeach other along an extension adjacent to a complete length of thesecond tubular media pack.

A filter arrangement is provided comprising: a first tubular media packdefining a first interior volume; the first tubular media pack havingopposite first and second ends; a second tubular media pack operablypositioned in the first interior volume; the second tubular media packhaving a second interior volume; a support core operably positioned inthe first interior volume in touching engagement with and between thefirst tubular media pack and second tubular media pack; the support coreincluding, at least a first ring; at least a first member and a secondmember extending from the first ring; a first plurality of barsextending from the first member at a non-zero angle thereto; a secondplurality of bars extending from the second member at a non-zero anglethereto; and the first member and second member being engagement-free toeach other along an extension of at least 75% of a complete length ofthe first tubular media pack.

A filter arrangement is provided comprising: a first tubular media packdefining a first interior volume; the first tubular media pack havingopposite first and second ends; a second tubular media pack operablypositioned in the first interior volume; the second tubular media packhaving a second interior volume; a support core operably positioned inthe first interior volume in touching engagement with and between thefirst tubular media pack and second tubular media pack; the support coreincluding, at least a first ring; at least a first member and a secondmember extending from the first ring; a first plurality of barsextending from the first member at a non-zero angle thereto; a secondplurality of bars extending from the second member at a non-zero anglethereto; and the first member and second member being engagement-free toeach other along an extension of at least 8 inches from the second endof the first tubular media pack.

A filter arrangement is provided comprising: a first tubular media packdefining a first interior volume; the first tubular media pack havingopposite first and second ends; a second tubular media pack operablypositioned in the first interior volume; the second tubular media packhaving a second interior volume; a support core operably positioned inthe first interior volume in touching engagement with and between thefirst tubular media pack and second tubular media pack; the support coreincluding, at least a first ring; no more than a first member being at anon-orthogonal angle relative to the first ring; the first member beingengagement-free between itself along an extension adjacent to a completelength of the second tubular media pack.

A filter arrangement is provided comprising: a first tubular media packdefining a first interior volume; the first tubular media pack havingopposite first and second ends; a second tubular media pack operablypositioned in the first interior volume; the second tubular media packhaving a second interior volume; a support core operably positioned inthe first interior volume in touching engagement with and between thefirst tubular media pack and second tubular media pack; the support coreincluding, at least a first ring; no more than a first member being at anon-orthogonal angle relative to the first ring; the first member beingengagement-free between itself along an extension of at least 75% of acomplete length of the first tubular media pack.

A filter arrangement is provided comprising: a first tubular media packdefining a first interior volume; the first tubular media pack havingopposite first and second ends; a second tubular media pack operablypositioned in the first interior volume; the second tubular media packhaving a second interior volume; a support core operably positioned inthe first interior volume in touching engagement with and between thefirst tubular media pack and second tubular media pack; the support coreincluding, at least a first ring; no more than a first member being at anon-orthogonal angle relative to the first ring; the first member beingengagement-free between itself along an extension of at least 8 inchesfrom the second end of the first tubular media pack.

The second tubular media pack may have a shorter length than the firsttubular media pack.

The second tubular media pack can be at least 50% of the length of thefirst tubular media pack.

The second tubular media pack can be not greater than 95% of the lengthof the first tubular media pack.

The first member and second member may be engagement-free to each otheralong an extension adjacent to a complete length of the first tubularmedia pack.

The first member can be engagement-free between itself along anextension adjacent to a complete length of the first tubular media pack.

The at least first member and second member include at least fourmembers arranged in a spiral.

The at least first member and second member include at least fourmembers arranged in a spline.

The at least first member and second member include at least fourmembers arranged in a zig-zag shape.

The first plurality of bars may extend from the first member at about a90° angle thereto; and the second plurality of bars may extend from thesecond member at about a 90° angle thereto.

The first member can be arranged in a spiral.

A first end cap can be adjacent to the first end of the first tubularmedia pack; and a second end cap can be adjacent to the second end ofthe first tubular media pack.

The first end cap may have a first opening in communication with thefirst interior volume; and the second cap may have a second opening incommunication with the second interior volume.

The second tubular media pack has a first end and an opposite secondend; and further comprising a third end cap secured to the first end ofthe second tubular media pack; the third end cap being a closed end cap.

The second end of the second tubular media pack and the second end ofthe first tubular media pack may be secured to the second end cap.

The first end of the first tubular media pack can be secured to thefirst end cap; and the third end cap can be axially spaced from thefirst end cap and located in the first interior volume.

The first end cap first opening can be not in communication with thesecond interior volume; and the second end cap second opening can be notin communication with the first interior volume.

The support core, first end cap, second end cap, and third end cap maybe made from the same material.

The support core, first end cap, second end cap, and third end cap maybe made from polypropylene.

The first tubular media pack comprises pleated media; and the secondtubular media pack comprises pleated media.

The support core has a third interior volume; and the second tubularmedia pack can be located within the third interior volume.

The first ring can be adjacent to the first end of the first tubularmedia pack.

A second ring can be adjacent to the second end of the first tubularmedia pack.

The first member and second member can connect the first ring and secondring; the first member being at a non-orthogonal angle relative to thesecond ring; and the second member being at a non-orthogonal anglerelative to the second ring.

A second ring can adjacent to the second end of the first tubular mediapack; and the first member being at a non-orthogonal angle relative tothe second ring.

A method of filtering liquid using any one of the filter arrangements ascharacterized above is provided. The method includes: directingunfiltered liquid from outside of the filter arrangement to a filteredliquid volume in the filter arrangement through at least a first pathand second path; the first path including unfiltered liquid flowing fromoutside of the first tubular media pack, through the first tubular mediapack, and into the filtered liquid volume; the second path includingunfiltered liquid flowing from outside the filter arrangement, into thesecond interior volume, through the second tubular media pack, and intothe filtered liquid volume; and directing the liquid from the filteredliquid volume to exit the filter arrangement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a filter arrangement made inaccordance with the principles of this disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the filter arrangement of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a support core used inthe filter arrangement of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the support core of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a support core usablein the filter arrangement of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 6 is side elevational view of the support core of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a support core usablewith the filter arrangement of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the support core of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a support core usablewith the filter arrangement of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a support core usable with the filterarrangement of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the support core of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a support core usablewith a filter arrangement of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of the support core of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a support core usablewith the filter arrangement of FIGS. 1 and 2; and

FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of the support core of FIG. 14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a filter arrangement 20 constructedin accordance with principles of this disclosure. The filter arrangement20 can be used in a variety of applications. Typically, the filterarrangement 20 will be used to filter liquids during an industrialprocess.

In reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the filter arrangement 20 includes afirst tubular media pack 22. By the term “tubular” it is meant that themedia pack is in the shape of a tube defining a first interior volume24. The tube shape need not be cylindrical, but in preferredembodiments, it is cylindrical, such that the cross-section of the firsttubular media pack 22 is circular. In other embodiments, the tubularmedia pack 22 could be oval, elliptical, or other shapes, for example.

The first tubular media pack 22 can be many types of filter media. Inmany preferred embodiments, the first tubular media pack 22 comprisespleated media, for example, pleated cellulose media. The first tubularmedia pack 22 has first and second opposite ends 26, 28.

The filter arrangement 20 includes a first end cap 30. The first end cap30 is depicted as being adjacent to the first end 26 of the firsttubular media pack 22. In preferred implementations, the first end cap30 will be secured to the first end 26 of the first tubular media pack22.

The first end cap 30 has a first opening 32 in communication with thefirst interior volume 24.

The filter arrangement 20 includes a second end cap 34. The second endcap 34 is adjacent to the second end 28 of the first tubular media pack22. In preferred embodiments, the second end cap 34 is secured to thesecond end 28 of the first tubular media pack 22.

The second end cap 34 has an opening, referred to herein as secondopening 36. The second opening 36 is not in communication with the firstinterior volume 24. The second opening 36 is in communication withanother interior volume, as discussed below.

The filter arrangement 20 includes a second tubular media pack 38. Thesecond tubular media pack 38 will typically have the samecross-sectional shape as the first tubular media pack 22. For example,the second tubular media pack 38 can be cylindrical, having a circularcross-section, or it can be oval, elliptical, or other shapes that forma tube. Many different types of media can be used. In preferredembodiments, the media will be pleated media, for example, pleatedcellulose media.

The second tubular media pack 38 defines a second interior volume 40. Ascan be seen in FIG. 2, the second tubular media pack 38 is operablypositioned in the first interior volume 24.

The second tubular media pack 38 has a first end 42 and an oppositesecond end 44. In preferred embodiments, the second end 44 is secured tothe second end cap 34. The second opening 36 is in communication withthe second interior volume 40.

The filter arrangement 20 can further include a third end cap 46. Thethird end cap 46 is secured to the first end 42 of the second tubularmedia pack 38. Preferably, the third end cap 46 is a closed end cap.

As can be seen in the arrangement of FIG. 2, the first opening 32 in thefirst end cap 30 is not in communication with the second interior volume40 of the second tubular media pack 38.

Preferably, the second tubular media pack 38 has a shorter length thanthe first tubular media pack 22. In many preferred embodiments, thesecond tubular media pack 38 will be at least 50% of the length of thefirst tubular media pack 22. Although many different embodiments arepossible, in some arrangements, the second tubular media pack 38 is notgreater than 95% of the length of the first tubular media pack 22.

In accordance with principles of this disclosure, the filter arrangement20 includes a support core 50. The support core 50 is operablypositioned in the first interior volume 24 in touching engagement withand between the first tubular media pack 22 and the second tubular mediapack 38. The support core 50 extends radially between and against thefirst tubular media pack 22 and second tubular media pack 38. In thismanner, the core 50 forms a solid bridge between and against the firsttubular media pack 22 and second tubular media pack 38. This results inproviding a structural support against forces during use orsterilization of the filter arrangement 20.

The support core 50 generally includes a first ring 52. The first ring52 can be located adjacent to the first end 26 of the first tubularmedia pack 22. In FIG. 2, the first ring 52 is also adjacent to thefirst end cap 30.

The support core 50 may also include an optional second ring 54. Thesecond ring 54 can be adjacent to the second end 28 of the first tubularmedia pack 22. The second ring is preferred, but optional, becauseinstead of having second ring 54, the members of the support core(described further below) can be directly secured to the second end cap34 instead of a second ring. In the example cores 50 shown in FIGS.3-15, each core 50 is depicted with second ring 54, but it should beunderstood to be optional.

When used, the second ring 54 is adjacent to the second end cap 34. Thefirst ring 52 and second ring 54 have a cross-sectional shape that isgenerally the same cross-sectional shape as the first tubular media pack22 and second tubular media pack 38. In the example shown, the firstring 52 and second ring 54 have a generally circular cross-section.Other embodiments are possible.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 3-8 and 10-15, the support core 50 includesat least a first member 56 extending from the first ring 52.

In embodiments including second ring 54, the first member 56 extendsbetween and is attached or is integral with the first ring 52 and secondring 54.

The support core 50, in the embodiment of FIGS. 3-8 and 10-15 furtherincludes a second member 58. The second member 58 extends from the firstring 52.

In embodiments that include second ring 54, the second member 58connects the first ring 52 and second ring 54 to each other. The secondmember 58 can extend between and be attached or integral with the firstring 52 and second ring 54.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 3-8 and 10-13, the first member 56 is at anon-orthogonal angle relative to the first ring 52. When the second ring54 is present, the first member 56 is at a non-orthogonal angle relativeto the second ring 54.

Similarly, the second member 58 is at a non-orthogonal angle relative tothe first ring 52. When the second ring 54 is present, the second member58 is at a non-orthogonal angle relative to the second ring 54. By theterm “non-orthogonal angle” it is meant an angle that is not at 90degrees and thus can be acute (less than 90 degrees) or obtuse (greaterthan 90 degrees), when measured at the intersection of the member 56, 58relative to the first ring 52 and second ring 54.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 3-8 and 10-15, the first member 56 and secondmember 58 are engagement-free to each other along at least a partialextension of the support core 50. By the term “engagement-free” it ismeant that the first member 56 and second member 58 do not touch eachother, connect with each other, or intersect with each other. Generally,the first member 56 is engagement-free with itself along the at leastpartial extension, and the second member 58 is engagement-free withitself along the at least partial extension.

As mentioned above, the first member 56 and second member 58 areengagement-free along at least a partial extension. This partialextension, in one embodiment, can be adjacent to a complete length ofthe second tubular media pack 38. In this example, the region of thesupport core 50 between the third end cap 46 and the first end cap 30could include engagement, connection, or overlap between the firstmember 56 and second member 58.

In another variation, the first member 56 and second member 58 areengagement-free to each other along an extension of at least 75% of acomplete length of the first tubular media pack 22. Along the remainingportion, there could be engagement, connection, or overlap between thefirst member 56 and second member 58.

In another variation, the first member 56 and second member 58 areengagement-free to each other along an extension of at least 8 inchesfrom the second end 28 of the first tubular media pack 22. Along theremaining portion, there could be engagement, connection, or overlapbetween the first member 56 and second member 58.

In many preferred arrangements, the first member 56 and second member 58are engagement-free to each other along an extension adjacent to acomplete length of the first tubular media pack 22.

Attention is directed to FIGS. 3-8 and 10-15. The first member 56 andsecond member 58 can be arranged relative to the first ring 52 andsecond ring 54 (when present) in many variations.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 3-8 and 10-15, in addition to the firstmember 56 and second member 58 are a third member 60 and fourth member62 such that there are at least four members.

In the example embodiment of FIGS. 3-8, the at least four members 56,58, 60, 62 of the support core 50 are arranged in a spiralconfiguration, with varying revolutions. Many embodiments are possible,ranging from, for example 0.1 revolutions to 2.0 revolutions or more.For example, in FIGS. 3 and 4, the spiral configuration includes arepeated helix with 0.5 revolutions. In FIGS. 5 and 6, the spiralconfiguration includes a repeated helix with 0.1 revolutions, whichapproximates diagonal lines. In FIGS. 7 and 8, the spiral configurationincludes a repeated helix with 2.0 revolutions.

In the spiral embodiments of FIGS. 3-8, each of the first member 56,second member 58, third member 60, and fourth member 62 areengagement-free relative to each other along at least a partialextension of the first tubular media pack 22. In some arrangements, theengagement-free zone between the members 56, 58, 60, 62 is adjacent to acomplete length of the second tubular media pack 38. In otherarrangements, the engagement-free zone is along an extension of at least75% of a complete length of the first tubular media pack 22. In otherarrangements, the engagement-free zone is along an extension of at least8 inches from the second end 28 of the first tubular media pack 22.

In FIGS. 10 and 11, the members 56, 58, 60, 62 are shaped as continuous,smooth curves. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the members 56, 58, 60, 62are arranged in a spline 64. By the term “spline”, it is meant that eachmember is formed as a continuous, smooth curve. The members 56, 58, 60,62 are engagement-free along an extension. In one example, the extensionis a complete length of the second tubular media pack 38. In anotherexample, the extension is at least 75% of a complete length of the firsttubular media pack 22. In another example, the extension is at least 8inches from the second end 28 of the first tubular media pack 22.

In FIGS. 12 and 13, the at least four members 56, 58, 60, 62 arearranged in a zig-zag shape. That is, each of the members 56, 58, 60, 62has a pattern of straight segments that are angled relative to eachother at non-zero angles, as the members 56, 68, 60, 62 extend betweenthe first ring 52 and second ring 54. The members 56, 58, 60, 62 areengagement-free along at least a partial extension. This partialextension can be, for example: adjacent to a complete length of thesecond tubular media pack 38; and/or along an extension of at least 75%of a complete length of the first tubular media pack 22; and/or along anextension of at least 8 inches from the second end 28 of the firsttubular media pack 22.

Attention is directed to the embodiment of FIGS. 14 and 15. In theembodiment of FIGS. 14 and 15, the support core 50 includes the firstmember 56 and second member 58 extending from the first ring 52. In thisembodiment, the intersection between the first member 56 and secondmember 58 with the first ring 52 can be orthogonal. Extending from thefirst member 56 is a first plurality of bars 66. The first plurality ofbars 66 extend from the first member 56 at a non-zero angle thereto. Inthe example shown, the angle between the first plurality of bars 66 anda remaining portion of the first member 56 is about 90 degrees, butother variations are possible. The bars 66 can extend in oppositedirections from the first member 56, along the length of the firstmember.

A second plurality of bars 68 extends from the second member 58 at anon-zero angle thereto. In the example shown, the angle is about 90degrees, but other variations are possible. The bars 68 can extend inopposite directions from the second member 58, along the length of thesecond member 58.

In the example of FIGS. 14 and 15, in addition to the first member 56and second member 58 is the third member 60 and fourth member 62. Eachof the members in the support core 50 in the embodiment of FIGS. 14 and15 includes the plurality of bars extending at a non-zero angle relativeto the respective member 56, 58, 60, 62. The members 56, 58, 60, 62 areengagement-free to each other along an extension. The extension can be,for example: adjacent to a complete length of the second tubular mediapack 38; and/or along an extension of at least 75% of a complete lengthof the first tubular media pack 22; and/or along an extension of atleast 8 inches from the second end 28 of the first tubular media pack22.

In embodiments of FIGS. 14 and 15 which include the second ring 54, thefirst member 56, second member 58, third member 60, and fourth member 62can extend between the first ring 52 and second ring 54 and beorthogonal (about 90°) relative to the first ring 52 and second ring 54.

Attention is directed to the support core 50 shown in FIG. 9. In thisembodiment, there is no more than first member 56. The first member 56extends from the first ring 52. In this embodiment, the first member 56is at a non-orthogonal angle relative to the first ring 52. Inembodiments that include second ring 54, the no more than the firstmember 56 will extend between and connect the first ring 52 and secondring 54, and the first member 56 will be at a non-orthogonal anglerelative to the first ring 52 and second ring 54.

In FIG. 9, the first member 56 is engagement-free between itself alongan extension. The extension can be adjacent the complete length of thesecond tubular media pack 38. In addition, or alternatively, theextension can be at least 75% of a complete length of the first tubularmedia pack 22. In addition, or alternatively, the extension can be atleast 8 inches from the second end 28 of the first tubular media pack22.

In some embodiments of FIG. 9, the first member 56 is engagement-freebetween itself along an extension adjacent to a complete length of thefirst tubular media pack 22.

As can be appreciated by reviewing FIG. 9, the first member 56, in thisembodiment, is arranged in a single spiral. There can be many differentrevolutions used, and in the example depicted, there are 14 revolutions.

In each of these embodiments, it should be appreciated that the supportcore 50 defines a third interior volume 70. The second tubular mediapack 38 is located within the third interior volume 70.

In preferred embodiments, the entire filter arrangement 20 ismetal-free. In many arrangements, the support core 50, first end cap 30,second end cap 34, and third end cap 46 are made from the same material.In example embodiments, the support core 50, first end cap 30, secondend cap 34, and third end cap 46 are made from polypropylene. In otherarrangements, the support core 50 can be made from a closed cell foam,for example.

Attention is again directed to FIG. 2. In use, liquid to be filteredflows into the filter arrangement 20 and exits the filter arrangement 20in a filtered form through the first opening 32 in the first end cap 30.The unfiltered liquid can enter the filter arrangement 20 through eitherthe outside of the first tubular media pack 22 (shown at arrow 74), orthrough the second opening 36 in the second end cap 34 (shown at arrow76) and then flow from the second interior volume 40 through the secondtubular media pack 38. For the liquid flowing at arrow 74 through thefirst tubular media pack 22, the liquid flows from outside the firsttubular media pack 22 inside to the first interior volume 24. There, thefiltered liquid will flow into the space or gap between the firsttubular media pack 22 and second tubular media pack 38 that is otherwiseoccupied by the support core 50. This region between the first tubularmedia pack 22 and second tubular media pack 38 corresponds to a filteredliquid volume 72. From there, the filtered liquid exits the filterarrangement 20 through the first opening 32 in the first end cap 30(shown at arrow 78).

For the liquid entering the filter arrangement through the secondopening 36 in the second end cap 34 (arrow 76), the liquid flows intothe second interior volume 40 and then flows from inside to outsidethrough the second tubular media pack 38, which filters the liquid. Fromthere, the filtered liquid is in the filtered liquid volume 72. From thefiltered liquid volume 72, the filtered liquid exits the filterarrangement through the first opening 32 in the first end cap 30 atarrow 78.

The first tubular media pack 22 and second tubular media pack 38 arefree of liners or supports, other than the support core 50. The supportcore 50 provides support for the first tubular media pack 22 and secondtubular media pack 38, which prevents collapsing during filtration orduring sterilization when, for example, superheated steam may be used.The engagement-free relationship between members 56, 58, 60, 62 resultin a less restrictive filter arrangement 20, as compared to prior artarrangements. The engagement-free relationship between the members 56,58, 60, 62 allows for greater flow than in arrangements that would haveconnections or engagements between the members.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 3-13, the arrangement of the members 56, 58,60, 62 relative to the longitudinal direction of pleats, when pleatedmedia is used before the media packs 22, 38, result in an arrangementthat will block or prevent pleats from penetrating the support core 50.In the embodiment of FIGS. 14 and 15, the bars 66, 68 extending from themembers 56, 58, 60, 62 result to block or prevent longitudinal pleatsfrom penetrating or pushing through the support core 50.

Typical embodiments of filter arrangement 20 can include embodiments inwhich the filter arrangement 20 has an outer diameter of about 2.5inches and a length at least 10 inches, and in some cases, at least 40inches.

In many typical arrangements, the first end cap 30 and second end cap 34will have structure to allow the filter arrangement to interact withother equipment in the industrial process. For example, the first endcap 30 can include a bayonet connection, and the second end cap 34 caninclude a projection 80 that can be used as a guide.

The filter arrangement 20 as characterized above can be used to filterliquid. The method includes directing unfiltered liquid from outside ofthe filter arrangement 20 to the filtered liquid volume 72 through atleast a first path and second path. The first path includes theunfiltered liquid flowing from outside of the first tubular media pack22, through the first tubular media pack 22, and into the filteredliquid volume 72. The second path includes the unfiltered liquid flowingfrom outside of the filter arrangement 20, into the second interiorvolume 40, through the second tubular media pack 38 and into thefiltered liquid volume 72. Next, there is a step of directing the liquidfrom the filtered liquid volume 72 to exit the filter arrangement 20.

The above represents principles of this disclosure. Many embodiments canbe made using these principles.

What is claimed is:
 1. A filter arrangement comprising: (a) a firsttubular media pack defining a first interior volume; the first tubularmedia pack having opposite first and second ends; (b) a second tubularmedia pack operably positioned in the first interior volume; the secondtubular media pack having a second interior volume; (c) a support coreoperably positioned in the first interior volume in touching engagementwith and between the first tubular media pack and second tubular mediapack; the support core including, (i) at least a first ring; (ii) atleast a first member and a second member extending from the first ring;(A) the first member being at a non-orthogonal angle relative to thefirst ring; (B) the second member being at a non-orthogonal anglerelative to the first ring; and (C) the first member and second memberbeing engagement-free to each other along an extension adjacent to acomplete length of the second tubular media pack.
 2. A filterarrangement according to claim 1 further comprising: (a) a second ringadjacent to the second end of the first tubular media pack.
 3. A filterarrangement according to claim 2 wherein: (a) the first member andsecond member connect the first ring and second ring; (i) the firstmember being at a non-orthogonal angle relative to the second ring; and(ii) the second member being at a non-orthogonal angle relative to thesecond ring.
 4. A filter arrangement according to claim 1 wherein: (a)the second tubular media pack has a shorter length than the firsttubular media pack.
 5. A filter arrangement according to claim 1wherein: (a) the first member and second member are engagement-free toeach other along an extension adjacent to a complete length of the firsttubular media pack.
 6. A filter arrangement according to claim 1wherein: (a) the at least first member and second member include atleast four members arranged in one of a spiral; a spline; and a zig-zagshape.
 7. A filter arrangement according to claim 1 further comprising:(a) a first end cap adjacent to the first end of the first tubular mediapack; and (b) a second end cap adjacent to the second end of the firsttubular media pack.
 8. A filter arrangement according to claim 7: (a)wherein the second tubular media pack has a first end and an oppositesecond end; and (b) further comprising a third end cap secured to thefirst end of the second tubular media pack; the third end cap being aclosed end cap.
 9. A filter arrangement according to claim 8 wherein:(a) the second end of the second tubular media pack and the second endof the first tubular media pack are secured to the second end cap.
 10. Afilter arrangement according to claim 8 wherein: (a) the first end ofthe first tubular media pack is secured to the first end cap; and (b)the third end cap is axially spaced from the first end cap and locatedin the first interior volume.
 11. A filter arrangement according toclaim 1 wherein: (a) the support core has a third interior volume; and(b) the second tubular media pack is located within the third interiorvolume.
 12. A filter arrangement according to claim 1 wherein: (a) thefirst ring is adjacent to the first end of the first tubular media pack;and (b) a second ring adjacent to the second end of the first tubularmedia pack.
 13. A filter arrangement comprising: (a) a first tubularmedia pack defining a first interior volume; the first tubular mediapack having opposite first and second ends; (b) a second tubular mediapack operably positioned in the first interior volume; the secondtubular media pack having a second interior volume; (c) a support coreoperably positioned in the first interior volume in touching engagementwith and between the first tubular media pack and second tubular mediapack; the support core including, (i) at least a first ring; (ii) nomore than a first member being at a non-orthogonal angle relative to thefirst ring; (A) the first member being engagement-free between itselfalong an extension adjacent to a complete length of the second tubularmedia pack.
 14. A filter arrangement according to claim 13 wherein: (a)the support core has a third interior volume; and (b) the second tubularmedia pack is located within the third interior volume.
 15. A filterarrangement according to claim 13 wherein: (a) the first ring isadjacent to the first end of the first tubular media pack.
 16. A filterarrangement according to claim 13 further comprising: (a) a second ringadjacent to the second end of the first tubular media pack
 17. A filterarrangement according to claim 13 further comprising: (a) a second ringadjacent to the second end of the first tubular media pack; and (b) thefirst member being at a non-orthogonal angle relative to the secondring.
 18. A filter arrangement according to claim 13 wherein: (a) thefirst member is engagement-free between itself along an extensionadjacent to a complete length of the first tubular media pack.
 19. Afilter arrangement according to claim 18 wherein: (a) the first memberis arranged in a spiral.
 20. A method of filtering liquid using any oneof the filter arrangements of the preceding claims, the methodincluding: (a) directing unfiltered liquid from outside of the filterarrangement to a filtered liquid volume in the filter arrangementthrough at least a first path and second path; (i) the first pathincluding unfiltered liquid flowing from outside of the first tubularmedia pack, through the first tubular media pack, and into the filteredliquid volume; (ii) the second path including unfiltered liquid flowingfrom outside the filter arrangement, into the second interior volume,through the second tubular media pack, and into the filtered liquidvolume; and (b) directing the liquid from the filtered liquid volume toexit the filter arrangement.